How A Glass Coffee Table Can Visually Declutter A Room

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Does your living room always look cluttered and busy no matter how much you tidy up? You pack away all the bits and bobs, put everything back in its place, and yet, when you look around, you still feel overwhelmed. If you've tried all the small living room ideas to make your space seem bigger yet none have helped, it might be time to reconsider your furniture choices. Matching the size of each piece to the scale of the room is important, but if it still looks messy, here's your sign to invest in a glass coffee table.

Glass tables have a wonderful way of tricking the eye to make a space feel less busy. Solid furniture breaks the flow of light and blocks off one's line of sight, separating the room into visual sections. On the other hand, glass furniture allows light through and casts minimal shadows. This, in turn, reduces the effect of visual weight and helps the room feel more open and unified.

To maximize the effect of using glass, opt for a glass-top coffee table with narrow supports in a light-colored, reflective material, such as the O&K Furniture Modern Silver and Glass Coffee Table. By using reflective materials in gold or chrome, the frame of your table will contribute to the airy aesthetic you're creating. If you'd prefer to avoid glass for safety reasons, acrylic furniture is another option that provides the same benefits without the potential breakage dangers.

Decorating a glass coffee table to add style without upping the busyness of the space can be tricky. However, following a few guidelines can help. Remember: Simplicity is the key to maintaining the uncluttered effect of the glass. One of the ways to add decor to a coffee table without it looking cluttered is to pick a few key items of varied shapes and sizes that share the same color and texture.

Go for a glass-on-glass look for an exquisite play of light. If an expansive, fuss-free look is your goal, avoid highly decorative pieces with busy patterns, fluted tops, or flashy colors. Opt for clear decor items with clean lines and simple shapes, such as the CYS Excel Glass Bubble Bowl. These add visual interest without dominating the tablescape the way solid objects tend to. 

Gathering multiple objects in a small tray is another effective way to reduce visual clutter, as the mind subconsciously perceives the tray of objects as a single item. Add a small potted plant for a pop of color and life. You could choose something with a neat growing style, like the Watermelon Peperomia, where the leaf patterns add subtle interest while the overall shape remains tidy. Keep reminding yourself throughout the decorating process that less is more. Get comfortable with empty space and let the beauty of the coffee table shine.

When you mention a glass table to a mom, what's the first thing she groans about? Fingerprints! Owning a glass table can mean an endless fistfight with smears, fingerprints, and dust. Glass tends to be the least forgiving surface when it comes to looking grubby. However, once you know the best way to clean glass furniture and arm yourself with the right cleaning tools (such as the Aerai Microfiber Magic Streak-Free Cleaning Cloths), cleaning your coffee table won't be a big deal.

For families with small children, a glass coffee table may pose a serious safety risk. Check if the product you're buying is fitted with safety glass or regular glass. Glass that is laminated, tempered, or fused is treated to break into safer pieces. Conversely, regular glass shatters into sharp shards that can cause significant injuries. Even if you don't have small people in the house, be proactive about preventing accidents. A slippery rug or a stray shoe is a tripping hazard near a glass top. Therefore, stay vigilant so you can enjoy the beauty of your table safely.

If you choose a square coffee table, be mindful of the corners that are likely to be sharp and sore to bump into. To avoid injuries, buy protectors like the CalMyotis Clear Corner Protector Guards to fit on the corners. Since they're clear, they blend in seamlessly and don't detract from the look of your table while still adding softness where most needed.